Parrots like to eat fruits and especially vegetables. They enjoy great taste of vegetables. If you are wondering whether you can serve onions to parrots or not? No, parrots can not eat onions. Onions are toxic for parrot species. Small intake of onion is dangerous for parrots and sometime cause death of parrots. So, be aware of food which you serve to your parrot.
The scientific name of onion is Allium Cepa. All kinds of onions are harmful for parrots. It effects stomach, digestive tract and esophagus of parrots. Eating onion will cause anemia in parrots.
In 2021, the total world production of onions is 4.6 million tons. Onion is edible for humans while it inedible for parrots.
In this article, I will cover:
- Different types of onions
- A brief note on green onions
- Demerits of eating onions for parrots
- Names of vegetables that parrots can eat
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
Types of Onions
Onions also known as Allium Cepa exist in many types all across the world. As a parrot owner, I will explain some of these types in detail. Here is about these types of onions:
- Yellow onions
- White Onions
- Red onions
- Spring onions
- Green onions
- Shallots
- Leeks
According to UVM, Yellow onions are rich in sulfur which is poison for parrots.
Some harmful vegetables are also included in genus Allium like:
- Chives
- Garlic
As a parrot owner, You should not serve garlic and chives to your parrots. These vegetables are also rich in sulfur. If you make garlic and onions for yourself then it will be safe. But, at the same time, you must keep in mind that parrots’ airways are sensitive. So onions and garlic smell is also poisoned for parrots.
If your parrot is present at the place where you are cooking onions, first of all remove your pet from that place. Sometimes onion smell do not affect parrots but it is better to keep the onion away from parrots. These smells will cause parrots’ respiratory systems to damage.
Green Onions
Green onion is often used in salads all across the world. It has antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Spring onions are often known as green onions or leeks. Green onion has a lot nutritional value. Parrots can not eat spring onions.
Demerits of Eating Onions
As you know, eating onions is toxic for parrots. Eating onions will create many problems and for parrots in their healthy survival. As a parrot owner and lover, I will tell demerits of eating onions for parrots. These demerits of eating onions for parrots are as follows:
Anemia
Onion causes anemia in parrots. Hemoglobin is require for forming new red blood cells. Sulfur present in onions stops the formation of new red blood cells. Excessive eating of onions will result in lethargy. Lethargy is insufficient red blood cells. Due to lethargy, parrots bones become too weak and parrots feel pain in bones.
Anisocytosis
If anemia unrates, anisocytosis occurs. Anisocytosis happens due to the difference in size of red blood cells. In parrots, red blood cells must be of the same size. It occurs by nature but cause serious illness in parrots. It also contains 1 mg alkaloids whose consumption is risky for parrots life.
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a disease which is cause due to excessive eating of onions. It reduces red blood cells by 50%. It occurs when red blood cells are deteriorating faster than body destroys them. Its common symptoms are:
- Lethargy
- Pale mucous
- Rapid breathing
- Avoiding flying
Vomiting
With digestive issues and anemia, a lot of eating onions will lead to vomiting in parrots. It is due to presence of 30 mg thiosulfates.. If parrots eat onion and vomiting starts then vomiting is also dangerous. The reason is that vomiting will sometime leads to sudden death in parrots.
Diarrhea
Eating onion will lead to diarrhea in parrots. N- propyl is present in onions with a concentration of 5 mg that is too high for parrots. Parrots face difficulty in stool passing. Feces color change which is the result of eating onions. Symptoms of diarrhea include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Bloody tools
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Bloating
Acidity
Onions will cause acidity in parrots. Onions have pH level 5.6. Raw onions are more acidic than cooked onions. It will result in stomach issues and digestion hazards.
Vegetables That Parrots Can Eat – Truth Revealed
Vegetables are the best way to attract parrots and start bonding. Parrots love to eat vegetables. Vegetables are good for parrots and boost their energy. As a parrot owner for 8 years, I will explain the list of vegetables which are good and healthy for parrots. It ensures the longevity to parrots’ lives.
Let’s discuss!
- Cauliflower
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Spinach
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Lettuce
List of Food That Are Harmful for Parrots
Parrots are the social eaters. They like to eat a variety of food and share with their mates. But you can’t serve all food to parrots. As a parrot owner, I will explain a list of harmful food for parrots. Here is a little bit about these foods.
- Onion
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Salt
- Fruits pits
- Caffeine
- Garlic
- Honey
- Oil
Can Birds Eat Cooked Onion?
No, birds can not eat cooked onions. Both raw and cooked onions are toxic for parrots. It causes issues like digestive problems and liver issues in birds especially parrots. It has a vast amount of sulfur due to which sometimes it leads to death. So, always avoid serving onions to parrots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Parrots Eat Onion Soup?
No, parrots can not eat onion soup. It is toxic for them. There are many parrot species that do not like onion soup due to its taste. Onion soup is a french dish. It is a dish made with onions and beef stock.
Can Parrots Eat Onion Seeds?
No, parrots can not eat onion seeds. Many pits and seeds are toxic for parrots and onion seeds are one of them. Onion seeds have a short life span. They can germinate in shallow rows.
Can Parrots Eat Onion Leaves?
Yes, parrots can eat onion leaves. As a parrot owner, you should know the exact quantity of onion leaves to parrots. You can sprinkle few leaves of onion to parrot food. It has antioxidant properties.
What Should You Do If Your Parrot Eats Onion?
It is quite alarming, if your parrot onion in excess. If your parrot eats a small amount then it might be okay for it. But, it is prefer to take the opinion of a veterinarian before serving onion.
Eating cooked and raw onions will affect parrots. It causes stomach and digestive problems. It would affect your parrots stomach and sometimes lead to sudden death. In this situation, give first aid to parrots.
Act upon the instructions of veterinarian. Vomiting will lead to getting rid of onions from the digestive tract. After vomiting, immediately serve green tea to parrots for securing parrots life.
Final Verdict
Onions are dangerous and toxic vegetables for parrots. As a parrot owner and lover, you must know which vegetable is healthier and suitable for parrots to eat. As you know that, onions are toxic and harmful for parrots. If you serve onions for the first time, always serve a small piece of onion to your parrot. If any adverse reaction occurs, immediately took your feathery friend to veterinarian.
Always serve and feed a food whether it will be a fruit, vegetable, pellet or any herb in moderation.
If you have any query, without any hesitation, ask me in the comment section, I will reply to you as soon as possible. Thanks for Reading!
Related Articles:
- Can Parrots Eat Potatoes?
- Can Parrots Eat Honey?
- Can Parrot Eat Chilli?
- Can Parrot Eat Peach?
- Can Parrot Eat Mango?
- Can Parrot Eat Coconut?
I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!